Like many athletes, Luca Testa has positioned himself firmly in the support of his community.
Despite a modest population and charming atmosphere, his hometown of Grimsby, Ontario, has an extensive and rich hockey history. Testa is the latest local talent striving to make a significant impact on this legacy.
Now, as a sophomore forward in the Ontario Hockey League with the Brantford Bulldogs,
he has done much to raise his stock. The 17-year-old has already posted 17 points in 27 games this season.
While his achievements are impressive, he also boasts a link to one of the best-known sporting figures in the region. Luca is neighbours with Bryan Bieksa, the brother of National Hockey League alumnus Kevin, which speaks further to the tight-knit culture of the area.
Even Testa seems taken aback by the unlikely connection.
"I am very close to that family. I am very fortunate to have them showing me the way. It is pretty surreal," he said. "Coming out of a small town, you have a lot of friends and support. I am grateful for that."
Luca is quick to credit his immediate family for his early start and admiration for physical activity. He also acknowledged the importance of having a Provincial Junior Hockey League organization locally.
"I started playing when I was two years old. I fell in love with the game right away," he reflected. "My parents were very motivated to get me playing and into sports. I grew up watching the Peach Kings. I still go to games whenever I can. It is a great community."
Now that Testa is playing major junior, he still finds Grimsby a convenient place to balance emotional support and hockey.
"It is great. Some guys are more unfortunate and live five or six hours away," he said. "So, I am very grateful that I can go home, spend time with my family, get away from the game, and then come back here and refocus."
Although close to home and well situated for success, Testa has had to overcome adversity in the form of an early season injury. Once again healthy, his spirits are high, as talent evaluators are taking note of his progress.
"It has been difficult. I keep telling myself to take it one day at a time. Try to improve whenever the opportunity is there," he said. "I keep trying to produce and keep winning games."
Testa notes that the Bulldogs' season has gone exceptionally well thus far and that team success is his favourite aspect of the game. Brantford has racked up 24 wins through 45 contests and currently stands first in the Eastern Conference.
I love to win," he said. "It is awesome when we get the fans into it."
With a competitive team record and increasing interest after being listed on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings, Luca has remained level-headed and focused on improving his overall game.
"I try not to focus too much on it. There is still a long time to go," he said. "I take it one day at a time and keep progressing."
Undoubtedly, Testa has set the stage for a successful career. Regardless of the outcome, he has already made his hometown proud.
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